V S
Google
After nearly 10 years since my last visit, I decided to stop by Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery for an early dinner during a road trip. Unfortunately, while the food was just as delicious as I remembered, the overall experience left much to be desired.
The Good – The Food:
- Marinara Pizza: Absolutely fantastic, just as I remembered. The plum, juicy tomatoes were the star of the dish.
- Daily Specials: We ordered the meatballs with pasta and the salmon, both of which were flavorful and cooked to perfection. Zero complaints on food quality—it was a solid 5/5 in this regard.
The Not-So-Good – Cleanliness and Service:
Upon being seated, I immediately noticed food debris scattered on the floor around our booth. It’s hard to enjoy the ambiance of a winery restaurant with a lack of basic cleanliness.
Service, unfortunately, was the biggest letdown. Our waiter seemed disengaged and, quite frankly, unprofessional. While it’s understandable that wineries often have a relaxed vibe, I found her inattentiveness unacceptable. She would walk by, speak loudly without actually engaging or listening, and then leave mid-conversation. It felt as though she wasn’t fully present, which really detracted from the dining experience.
Final Thoughts:
While the food remains a highlight, Rustic seems to have slipped in terms of management, cleanliness, and service. The lack of attentiveness and professionalism was disappointing, and the absence of a visible manager to address these issues makes me question the oversight of the restaurant.
Sadly, this visit didn’t live up to the memories I had of Rustic from years ago. While I’m grateful for the great food, I’m not sure I’ll be returning anytime soon—if at all.
Rating Breakdown:
- Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
- Service: ⭐ 1/5
- Cleanliness/Ambiance: ⭐⭐ 2/5
Here’s hoping the team steps up to bring this place back to its former glory.